Subject: English

Strand: Competence and Confidence in using language

Strand Units: Writing: Developing competence, confidence Strand unit and the ability to write independently

The Barber of Baghdad- Part 2

(In part one, we read where the arrogant barber tricked the poor woodcutter. He
made a deal to buy all the wood on the back of the woodcutter’s donkey and insisted
on taking the wooden pack saddle as part of the load.)

Some days later the woodcutter came to the barber’s shop and as if nothing had ever
happened between them asked the barber to cut and shave him and his companion
from the country. He asked too, that the barber should name his price and they
agreed on a figure. The barber cut and shaved the woodcutter and then asked him to
bring in his companion. The woodcutter went outside and led in his donkey and asked
that he be cut and shaved also.

The barber flew into a rage. “Is it not enough that I should degrade myself by
shaving you but now you wish to insult me by asking me to shave your donkey,” he
roared, “Away, fellow before I am tempted to use the razor on your throat.”

The woodcutter went to the Caliph and told him what had happened. “Bring
Ali and his razors to me instantly,” exclaimed the Caliph and in a few moments the
barber stood before him. “Why did you refuse to shave this man’s companion?” he
asked. “Was not that the agreement that was made?”

Ali bowed and kissed the ground. “It is true, o great Caliph,” he said, “that
such was our agreement, but who ever heard of shaving a donkey?”

“True enough,” said the Caliph,” but who ever heard of a pack-saddle being
included in a load of wood? It is the woodcutter’s turn now. Words are words and the
agreement must stand. Shave the donkey!”

Thinking Caps On

1. Give Part two of the story a suitable title.

2. How did the woodcutter trick the barber?
3. How do you think the barber felt when the donkey was brought into his shop?
4. Why did the Caliph send for the barber?
5. Do you think the barber was fairly treated by (A) the woodcutter and (B) the Caliph?
6. How do you think the barber felt after the Caliph handed down his judgment?
7. What lessons should the barber learn from his dealings with the woodcutter?
8. Do you think the events will change the barber’s attitude?
9. What happened next? Compose a paragraph yourself to finish the story.
10. Why might the proverb, “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander,” be
appropriate in relation to this story?